Library system for removable disk cartridges

ABSTRACT

Embodiments presented herein provide a removable disk library system. The removable disk library system, in embodiments, comprises an array of removable disk drive bays and a movable connector system. Each removable disk drive bay can hold a removable disk drive cartridge. The movable connector system can be positioned behind the array of removable disk drive bays where the movable connector system can access the connector of the removable disk drive cartridges. In embodiments, the movable connector system includes a movable connector assembly that can automatically connect to the connector at the rear of the removable disk drive.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to commonly assigned, co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/024,659, filed Feb. 1, 2008, entitled “METHODSFOR IMPLEMENTATION OF DATA FORMATS ON A REMOVABLE DISK DRIVE STORAGESYSTEM which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/959,056, filed Jul. 10, 2007, entitled “METHODS FORIMPLEMENTATION OF DATA FORMATS ON A REMOVABLE DISK DRIVE STORAGESYSTEM.”

BACKGROUND

Large storage systems generally require several different media to storethe large amounts of data. For example, to store a terabyte of data, asystem needs 200 or more 500 gigabyte hard disks. With this many harddisks, numerous connections generally need to be made between the harddisks and a computer system. However, the numerous connections involve agreat deal of cabling which can become intertwined and connections canbecome confused.

In some systems, the storage media is replaced periodically as the dataon the storage media reaches capacity. Every time the storage media isreplaced, the connection to the media needs to be disconnected andreconnected to the replacement media. In some situations, reconnectingthe connection is difficult due to limited access to the connection onthe media. The more frequent the exchanges of the media, the moreproblematic the changing of the connections becomes.

It is in view of these and other considerations not mentioned hereinthat the embodiments of the present disclosure were envisioned.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments presented herein provide a removable disk library system.The removable disk library system, in embodiments, comprises an array ofremovable disk drive bays and a movable connector system. Each removabledisk drive bay can hold a removable disk drive cartridge. The movableconnector system can be positioned behind the array of removable diskdrive bays where the movable connector system can access the connectorof the removable disk drive cartridges. In embodiments, the movableconnector system includes a movable connector assembly that canautomatically connect to the connector at the rear of the removable diskdrive.

The embodiments of the removable disk library system provide severaladvantages. First, there may be no need for a connection for everyremovable disk drive. As such, the numerous cables are eliminated.Further, the removable disk drives can be replaced simply by exchangingthe removable disk drives in the removable disk drive bays. With themovable connector system, no cable may need to be disconnected andreconnected. Thus, replacing the removable disk drives is simple andquick.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present disclosure are described in conjunctionwith the appended figures:

FIG. 1A is a three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a removable disklibrary;

FIG. 1B is another three-dimensional view of an embodiment of aremovable disk library showing an embodiment of the movable connectorsystem;

FIG. 1C is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a removable disklibrary

FIG. 1D is an enlarged three-dimensional view of a portion of anembodiment of a removable disk library;

FIG. 1E is an enlarged three-dimensional view of a rear portion of anembodiment of a removable disk library showing an embodiment of themovable connector;

FIG. 1F is an enlarged three-dimensional view of a rear portion of anembodiment of a removable disk library showing an embodiment of themovable connector mated with the connector of a removable diskcartridge;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side-view of an embodiment of a retentionsystem;

FIG. 3A is a perspective side-view of an embodiment of an ejectionsystem;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged three-dimensional view of a rear portion of anembodiment of a removable disk library showing an embodiment of themovable connector;

FIG. 3C is an enlarged three-dimensional view of a rear portion of anembodiment of a removable disk library showing an embodiment of theejection system engaged to eject a removable disk cartridge;

FIG. 3D is another enlarged three-dimensional view of a rear portion ofan embodiment of a removable disk library showing an embodiment of theejection system ejecting a removable disk cartridge;

FIG. 3E is a perspective side view of an embodiment of a removable disklibrary showing an embodiment of the ejection system ejecting aremovable disk cartridge;

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an embodiment of a method for insertinga removable disk cartridge into a removable disk library and connectinga movable connector; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an embodiment of a method for ejectinga removable disk cartridge from a removable disk library.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have thesame reference label. Further, various components of the same type maybe distinguished by following the reference label by a letter thatdistinguishes among the similar components. If only the first referencelabel is used in the specification, the description is applicable to anyone of the similar components having the same first reference labelirrespective of the letter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiment(s) only and is notintended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of thepossible embodiments. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplaryembodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enablingdescription for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It beingunderstood that various changes may be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe possible embodiments as set forth in the appended claims.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a unique and novelremovable disk library system. The removable disk library system mayinclude an array of removable disk drive bays and a movable connectorsystem. In embodiments, the removable disk drive bays form a cavity thataccepts removable disk drive cartridges. The removable disk drivecartridges can be held in the removable disk drive bays with a retentionsystem. The removable disk drive bay includes an opening at the rear ofthe removable disk drive bay that provides access to the connector atthe rear of the removable disk drive cartridge.

The movable connector system, in embodiments, is positioned behind thearray of removable disk drive bays. The movable connector system caninclude a movable connector assembly that moves another connector tomate with the removable disk drive cartridges. The mating connector, inembodiments, accesses the connector of the removable disk drivecartridges through the opening in the rear of the removable disk drivebay.

An embodiment of the removable disk library system 100 is shown in FIGS.1A-1F. In embodiments, the removable disk library system 100 comprisesan array 102 of two or more removable disk drive bays 104. The array 102can be formed into one or more columns 106 of removable disk drive bays104 and/or one or more rows 108 of removable disk drive bays 104. Thearray 102, in embodiments, is formed by abutting or placing theremovable disk drive bays 104 in substantially close proximity to eachother. In embodiments, the two or more removable disk drive bays 104 arephysically attached to each other with little or no spacing between thetwo or more removable disk drive bays 104.

The removable disk drive bays 104 can be formed from a rigid material.In embodiments, the removable disk drive bays 104 are formed from aplastic material. In other embodiments, the removable disk drive bays104 are formed from a metallic material, for example, aluminum orstainless steel. The removable disk drive bays 104 can include a toppanel cover 110, a bottom panel floor 112, and two panel sidewalls 114and 116. In alternative embodiments, the removable disk drive bays 118includes only one sidewall 114, and the removable disk drive bay 104 isenclosed by abutting the open side to the sidewall 116 of an adjacentremovable disk drive bay 120. The top panel cover 110, a bottom panelfloor 112, and two panel sidewalls 114 and 116 can form a cavity 122that accepts a removable disk drive cartridge 124.

The top panel cover 110, a bottom panel floor 112, and two panelsidewalls 114 and 116 also form an opening 126 in the rear 128 of theremovable disk drive bay 104. The opening 126 provides access to theconnector (not shown) that is at the rear of the removable disk drivecartridge 124. The opening 126 can be smaller or larger than that shownin FIG. 1B. The opening 126, in embodiments, is large enough to allow amating connector (not shown) to pass through the opening 126 to matewith the connector (not shown). The removable disk drive bay 104, inembodiments, also comprises a back panel 134. The back panel 134 canhave the opening 126 formed into a portion of the back panel 134.

In embodiments, the removable disk drive bays 104 are placed and arephysically coupled to a stand that anchors the removable disk drive bays104 to the floor. In other embodiments, the removable disk drive bays104 are set upon the floor with or without an anchor system. In stillanother embodiment, the removable disk drive bays 104 are placed in anenclosure such as a cabinet. The each of the removable disk drive bays104 has a set position that can be determined. For example, theremovable disk drive bay 120 has a position that is a determinabledistance horizontally from a predetermined location and a determinabledistance vertically from the floor. The determinable distance can beused to locate the connector on the rear of the removable disk drivecartridge. In embodiments, the determinable distance is predeterminedfrom a location on the removable disk library system 100.

A second component of the removable disk library system 100 is themovable connector system 136. In embodiments, the movable connectorsystem 136 is an X-Y-Z movement system. The movement of any one of thecomponents may be accomplished using a rack and pinion system, a cableand pulley system, a lead screw, a servomotor, or other variouselectromechanical systems. Embodiments of the movable connector system136 includes one or more components that provide a movable connector 150that mates with the connector on the back of the removable disk drivecartridge 124. In one embodiment, the movable connector system 136comprises a first member 138, a second member 140, and one or moremovable armatures 146.

The first member 138 and the second member 140, in embodiments, are madefrom a rigid material, for example, a plastic or metal. In oneembodiment, the first member 138 and the second member 140 are made fromaluminum or stainless steel. In embodiments, the first member 138 andthe second member 140 are a beam approximately 4 inches wide, one halfinch thick, and eight feet long. These dimensions are only an example ofpossible dimensions for the first member 138 and the second member 140.One skilled in the art will recognize other possible dimensions for thefirst member 138 and the second member 140 that are within the scope ofthe disclosure. The first member 138 and the second member 140 can eachcreate a rail that allows a movable armature 146 to move vertically(along the Y-axis).

The first member 138 and the second member 140 can have a first end 142and a second end 144. The first end 142 may be connected to the floor bya base, stand, or other fastener (not shown). In embodiments, the firstmember 138 and the second member 140 are oriented vertically such thatthe first end 142 is generally positioned near the floor and the secondend 144 is elevated from the floor. The first member 138 and the secondmember 140 are, in embodiments, substantially perpendicular (that is,the first member 138 and the second member 140 may not be exactlyperpendicular) to the plane of the floor. The first member 138 and thesecond member 140 are oriented behind the array 102 and substantiallyparallel to the array 102, as shown in FIG. 1A. Further, the firstmember 138 can be positioned substantially parallel to second member140, as shown in FIG. 1B.

In embodiments, one or more movable armatures 146 are movably connectedto the first member 138 and the second member 140. The movable armature146 may be movably connected by allowing the movable armature 146 tomove vertically along each of the first member 138 and the second member140. In embodiments, the first member 138 and the second member 140include a channel 148 that allows the movable armature 146 to be guidedalong the first member 138 and the second member 140.

In alternative embodiments, the movable connector system 136 alsoincludes a brace connected to the first member 138 and the second member140. The brace may span the distance between the first member 138 andthe second member 140 and provide support for the first member 138 andthe second member 140. The brace may be positioned at any location alongthe first member 138 and the second member 140 that does not interferewith the operation of the movable connector system 136. The brace canmaintain the vertical positioning of the first member 138 and the secondmember 140 and maintain the parallel orientation of the first member 138and the second member 140. In other embodiments, the brace is thestructure of a cabinet 141 that provides structural rigidity to thefirst member 138 and the second member 140.

The movable connector system 136 can also comprise a movable connectorassembly 150 that is movably connected to the movable armature 146. Themovable connector assembly 150 provides the horizontal movement (in theX-axis) for the movable connector 150. In embodiments, a controllerpositions the movable connector assembly 150 along the Y-axis and theX-axis to position the connector 152 behind the connector of theremovable disk drive cartridge 124. The connector 152 may then engagethe removable disk drive cartridge 124.

One embodiment of the movable connector assembly 150 is shown in FIGS.1D through 1F. In embodiments, the movable connector assembly 150comprises a base 154, one or more lead screws 156, a platform 158, and aconnector 152. In embodiments, the base 154 is movably connected to anmovable armature 146. The base 154 moving along the movable armature 146provides the horizontal (in the X-axis) movement. The base 154 can bemade of a rigid material, for example, a composite, a plastic, a metal,etc. The base 154 may be formed circumferentially around the movablearmature 146 to couple the base 154 to the movable armature 146. Inembodiments, the base 154 may have a coating or be made of a materialwith a low coefficient of friction to allow the base 154 to more easilyslide along the movable armature 146.

In embodiments, the one or more lead screws 156 are physically coupledto a first end 162 attached to the base 154. The one or more lead screws156 can also be made of a rigid material, for example, a composite, aplastic, a metal, etc. The one or more lead screws (also referred to asposts) extend from the base 154 and span a predetermined distancebetween the base 154 and a back of an array 102 of removable disk drivebays 104. The predetermined distance is determined by the amount ofmovement in the Z-axis needed for the connector 152 to engage theconnector on the back of the removable disk drive cartridge 124. Assuch, the distance is variable and can be set according to the needs ofthe user. The one or more lead screws 156 can rotate allowing a threadedportion 164 of the platform 158 to move horizontally and perpendicularto the movable armature 146.

The platform 158, in embodiments, is movably connected to the one ormore lead screws. The platform 158 can also be made of a rigid material,for example, a composite, a plastic, a metal, etc. In embodiments, theplatform 158 has an area large enough to span the distance between theone or more lead screws 156 and large enough to provide one or moreattachment points for the connector 152. The movement along the one ormore lead screws 156 allows the platform 158 to provide the Z-axismovement to engage the connector 152 to the connector on the back of theremovable disk drive cartridge 124.

The movable connector assembly 150 also includes a connector 152, alsoreferred to as the movable connector 152. The connector 152 is anyconnector that is suitable to couple or mate with the connector (notshown but in the opening 126) on the back of the removable disk drivecartridge 124. In embodiments, the connector 152 is the male connectorthat mates with the female connector on the removable disk drivecartridge 124. The movable connector assembly 150 can also include awire connected to the connector 152 and/or one or more components of themovable connector assembly 150. In embodiments, the connector 152 andcable 166 (see FIG. 2) provide the electrical connection from theremovable disk drive cartridge 124 to a system controller, server,router, or other system component for retrieving data from or storingdata to the removable disk drive cartridge 124. In embodiments, thecable 166 is attached at one end to the connector 152 and to anothercomponent, such as a disk drive interface, at the other end.

An embodiment of a retention system 200 (and an embodiment of an ejectsystem) is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3E. The retention system 200 is amechanical system that holds or physically secures the removable diskdrive cartridge 124 (FIGS. 1C-D) in the removable disk drive bay 104(FIGS. 1C-D). In embodiments, the retention system 200 comprises a lever202 and a spring 204. The lever 202 can be made from a rigid material,for example, a composite, a plastic, a metal, etc. The material can bestrong enough to ensure proper retention of the removable disk drivecartridge 124 with little wear or breaking. The lever 202, inembodiments, is rotatably attached to the bottom of the removable diskdrive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-D) be a pivot 206. Therefore, the lever 202 hasa first end 208 and a second end 210 that move vertically in oppositedirections while rotating at the pivot 206.

The first end 208 of the lever 202 can include a detent 212. The detent212, in embodiments, comprises a beveled edge 214 and a perpendicularsurface 216. When a removable disk drive cartridge 124 is inserted intothe removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-D), the removable disk drivecartridge 124 slides over the beveled edge while being inserted. Theremovable disk drive cartridge 124 can include an indention 218. Whenthe indention 218 of the removable disk drive cartridge 124 reaches thedetent 212, the detent 212, in embodiments, engages the indention 218 bymoving vertically into the indention 218. When in the indention 218, theperpendicular surface 216 can physically touch one of the inside wallsof the indention 218. The shape of the detent 212 and the perpendicularsurface 216 can prevent the removable disk drive cartridge 124 frombeing accidentally pushed from the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS.1C-D).

The second end 210 of the lever 202 can include a lever flange 220. Thelever flange 220 can extend from the back of the removable disk drivebay 104 (FIGS. 1C-D) from some predetermined distance. When the leverflange 220 moves vertically, the detent 212 is disengaged from theindention 218. Therefore, the spring 204, at a first end, is attached tothe second end 210 of the lever 202 and, at a second end 210, to somefixed point on the rear of the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS.1C-D). The spring 204 can keep the detent 212 engaged with the indention218 by exerting a force downward, through compression, against thesecond end 210 of the lever 202. When disengaged, another counter forceextends the spring 204 to disengage the lever 202.

To disengage the spring 204 on the rear of the removable disk drive bay104 (FIGS. 1C-D), the movable connector assembly 150 (FIGS. 1D-1F), inembodiments, includes a novel eject system 300 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3Athrough 3E. The eject system 300 can include a release flange 302 and acam 304. The release flange 302 and the cam 304 are attached to an axleinterposed in the platform 158 (FIGS. 1E-1F) of the movable connectorassembly 150 (FIGS. 1D-1F). The release flange 302 is attached to oneend of the axle on one side of the platform 158 (FIGS. 1E-1F) and thecam 304 is attached to the other end of the axle on the other side ofthe platform 158 (FIGS. 1E-1F). When the axle is rotated, the releaseflange 302 disengages the lever detent 212 while the cam 304 rotates toextend beyond the connector on the platform 158 (FIGS. 1E-1F). Thus, asthe platform 158 (FIGS. 1E-1F) moves in the Z-axis direction, the cam304 contacts the rear of the removable disk cartridge and pushes theremovable disk cartridge from the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS.1C-D).

The release flange 302 can comprise a flange 306 and a post 308. Thecomponents of the release flange 302 can be made from a rigid material,for example, a composite, a metal, a plastic, etc. The flange 306 isrotatably attached to the axle at a first end 310. In embodiments, theattachment to the axle creates a pivot upon which the flange 306 rotatesin a clockwise direction. At the second end 312, the post 308 can extendfrom the flange 306. The length of the post 308 is dependent on thedistance between the platform 158 (FIGS. 1E-1F) and the lever. The post308, in embodiments, has a length sufficient to disengage the lever 202(FIG. 2) when touching the lever 202 (FIG. 2). The flange 306 is shownin the inactive position in FIG. 2. The flange 306 is shown in theengaged position in FIGS. 3A and 3D. In embodiments, the flange 306 isrotated into position before the movable connector assembly 150 (FIGS.1D-1F) extends in the Z-axis direction. As the movable connectorassembly 150 (FIGS. 1D-1F) extends in the Z-axis direction, the postcontacts the beveled edge 216 (FIG. 2) of the lever 202 (FIG. 2). As themovable connector assembly 150 (FIGS. 1D-1F) moves, the cam 304continues along the beveled edge 216 (FIG. 2) and then further down thelever 202 (FIG. 2). The force on the beveled edge 216 (FIG. 2) causesthe lever end to move vertically, and thus, disengage the detent 212(FIG. 2) as explained above.

The cam 304 can be rotatably connected to the axle. In embodiments, thecam 304 has a gradually increasing radius with the connection to theaxle at one end of the cam 304. When rotated, the cam 304 extends beyondthe connector 152, as shown in FIGS. 3C and 3E. As such, when themovable connector assembly 150 (FIGS. 1D-1F) extends in the Z-axisdirection, the cam 304 contacts the rear of the removable disk cartridgebefore the connector 152 mates with the connector on the removable diskcartridge. As the movable connector assembly 150 (FIGS. 1D-1F) extendsin the Z-axis direction, the cam 304 pushes the removable disk cartridgefrom the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-D) some predetermineddistance. The removable disk cartridge will extend some distance beyondthe cavity of the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-D) and allow aperson to extract the removable disk cartridge.

An embodiment of a method 400 for inserting and connecting a removabledisk cartridge is shown in FIG. 4. In embodiments, the method 400generally begins with a START operation 402 and terminates with an ENDoperation 418. One or more of the steps shown in the method 400 may beexecuted in a computer system as a set of computer executableinstructions. While a logical order is shown in FIG. 4, the steps shownor described can, in some circumstances, be executed in a differentorder than presented herein.

Place operation 404 places a removable disk cartridge in a removabledisk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D). In embodiments, a person places aremovable disk cartridge into a removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS.1C-1D) of the library. Slide operation 406 slides the removable diskcartridge further into the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D).In embodiments, a person pushes the removable disk cartridge into theremovable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D). The removable disk cartridgeslides through the cavity of the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS.1C-1D) until the detent 212 (FIG. 2) on the lever 202 (FIG. 2) of theretention system engages the indention on the removable disk cartridge.Once the retention system 200 (FIG. 2) is engaged, the removable diskcartridge is fully inserted.

Receive operation 408 receives an indication that the removable diskcartridge has been inserted. In embodiments, the removable disk drivebay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D) includes a sensor that sends a signal to a systemcontroller indicating that a removable disk cartridge has been inserted.In other embodiments, the user interacts with a user interface of acomputer system that is in communication with the system controller. Theuser enters an indication that the removable disk cartridge has beeninserted.

Determine operation 410 determines the position, in the X-axis and theY-axis, of the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D). The removabledisk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D) may communicate with the systemcontroller to provide an identifier or a position for the removable diskdrive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D). In other embodiments, the user interactswith the user interface of the system controller to enter the identifieror position. The system controller can receive the identifier. Inembodiments, the system controller stores a database associatingidentifiers and the positions of the removable disk drive bays 104(FIGS. 1C-1D). The system controller can determine the position of theremovable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D) by searching for theidentifier in the database and retrieving an associated position of theremovable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D).

Receive operation 412 receives a request to connect with the insertedremovable disk cartridge. In embodiments, a storage system sends, andthe system controller receives, a request to physically connect theremovable disk cartridge to allow for storage or retrieval of data ontothe removable disk cartridge. The system controller retrieves theposition of the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D).

Move operation 414 moves the movable connector assembly 150 (FIGS.1D-1F) to the X-axis and Y-axis positions associated with the positionof the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D) determined by thesystem controller. In embodiments, the system controller sends one ormore control signals to the movable armature 146 (FIGS. 1A-1F) to moveto a predetermined Y-axis position along the vertical members. Likewise,the system controller sends one or more control signals to the movableconnector assembly 150 (FIGS. 1D-1F) to move to a predetermined X-axisposition along the movable armature 146 (FIGS. 1A-1F).

Extend operation 416 extends the movable connector system to mate themovable connector 152 with the connector on the rear of the removabledisk cartridge. In embodiments, the system controller sends one or morecontrol signals to the platform 158 (FIGS. 1E-1F) to extend in theZ-axis. The platform extends for some predetermined distance to mate theconnectors.

An embodiment of a method 500 for inserting and connecting a removabledisk cartridge is shown in FIG. 5. In embodiments, the method 500generally begins with a START operation 502 and terminates with an ENDoperation 514. One or more of the steps shown in the method 500 may beexecuted in a computer system as a set of computer executableinstructions. While a logical order is shown in FIG. 5, the steps shownor described can, in some circumstances, be executed in a differentorder than presented herein.

Receive operation 504 receives a request to eject a removable diskcartridge from a predetermined removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS.1C-1D). In embodiments, a storage system sends a request to eject theremovable disk cartridge. The storage system may send an identifier forthe removable disk cartridge. In other embodiments, a user interactswith a user interface to a computer system in communication with asystem controller. The user may enter the request for the ejectionand/or the identifier for the removable disk cartridge. The systemcontroller can receive the identifier.

Determine operation 506 determines the position of the removable diskdrive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D) containing the removable disk cartridge. Inembodiments, the system controller stores a database associatingidentifiers and the positions of the removable disk drive bays 104(FIGS. 1C-1D). The system controller can determine the position of theremovable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D) by searching for theidentifier in the database and retrieving an associated position of theremovable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D). In other embodiments, thestorage system or the user provides the position of the removable diskdrive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D).

Move operation 508 moves the movable connector assembly 150 (FIGS.1D-1F) to the X-axis and Y-axis positions associated with the positionof the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D) determined by thesystem controller. In embodiments, the system controller sends one ormore control signals to the movable armature 146 (FIGS. 1A-1F) to moveto a predetermined Y-axis position along the vertical members. Likewise,the system controller sends one or more control signals to the movableconnector assembly 150 (FIGS. 1D-1F) to move to a predetermined X-axisposition along the movable armature 146 (FIGS. 1A-1F).

Rotate operation 510 rotates the eject system. In embodiments, thesystem controller sends one or more control signals to the movableconnector assembly 150 (FIGS. 1D-1F) to rotate the axle of the ejectsystem 300 (FIGS. 3A-3E). The release flange 302 and the cam 304 of theeject system 300 (FIGS. 3A-3E) rotate into the eject position.

Extend operation 512 extends the movable connector system to eject theremovable disk cartridge. In embodiments, the system controller sendsone or more control signals to the platform 158 (FIGS. 1E-1F) to extendin the Z-axis. The platform 158 (FIGS. 1E-1F) extends for somepredetermined distance. The release flange 302 engages the lever 202(FIG. 2) and moves the second end of the lever 210 (FIG. 2) vertically.The detent 212 (FIG. 2) on the other end of the lever 210 (FIG. 2)disengages the indention 218 (FIG. 2) in the removable disk cartridge.After the retention system is disengaged, the cam 304 can contact theback of the removable disk cartridge. As the movable connector system150 extends in the Z-axis, the cam 304 pushes the removable diskcartridge from the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D). A usermay then grab the front of the removable disk cartridge to extract theremovable disk cartridge.

While various aspects of embodiments of the disclosure have beensummarized above, the following detailed description illustratesexemplary embodiments in further detail to enable one of skill in theart to practice the disclosure. In the following description, for thepurposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. Itwill be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the presentdisclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details. Inother instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in blockdiagram form. Several embodiments of the disclosure are described below,and while various features are ascribed to different embodiments, itshould be appreciated that the features described with respect to oneembodiment may be incorporated with another embodiment as well. By thesame token, however, no single feature or features of any describedembodiment should be considered essential to the disclosure, as otherembodiments of the disclosure may omit such features.

Specific details are given in the following description to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits maybe shown in block diagrams in order not to obscure the embodiments inunnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes,algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessarydetail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments. A computing systemmay be used to execute any of the tasks or operations described herein.In embodiments, a computing system includes memory and a processor andis operable to execute computer-executable instructions stored on acomputer readable medium that define processes or operations describedherein.

Also, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as a processwhich is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, astructure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describethe operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can beperformed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of theoperations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when itsoperations are completed, but could have additional steps not includedin the figure. A process may correspond to a method, a function, aprocedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process correspondsto a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the functionto the calling function or the main function.

Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software,firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or anycombination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middlewareor microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessarytasks may be stored in a machine-readable medium such as a storagemedium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks. A code segmentmay represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, aroutine, a subroutine, a module, an object, a software package, a class,or any combination of instructions, data structures, or programstatements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or ahardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data,arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments,parameters, data, etc., may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via anysuitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing,network transmission, etc.

In light of the above description, a number of advantages of the presentdisclosure are readily apparent. For example, the library provides asimple physical storage system for multiple removable disk cartridges.The user can easily access the removable disk drive bays 104 (FIGS.1C-1D) to insert or remove the removable disk cartridges withoutcomplicated machinery. Further, not every removable disk cartridge needsto be communicated with at every moment. The movable connector 150allows a storage system to electrically connect any removable diskcartridge without extensive cabling. The retention system 200 (FIG. 2)allows the movable connector system 152 to mate the connectors on theremovable disk cartridges without having the removable disk cartridgepushed from the removable disk drive bay 104 (FIGS. 1C-1D). The ejectsystem 300 (FIGS. 3A-3E) provides a simple means for disengaging andejecting the removable disk cartridge.

A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can also beused. In embodiments, the movable connector system 150 can havedifferent configurations. For example, a single vertical member 142(FIGS. 1A-1C) may extend from a single horizontal rail at the bottom ofthe movable connector system 150. The vertical member can movehorizontally. The movable connector system 150 may move vertically alongthe single vertical member 142 (FIGS. 1A-1C). There may be multiplecomponents that allow redundancy, connection with multiple removabledisk cartridges, and/or faster connection time because one request doesnot need to wait for the movable connector 150 to finish a previous job.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that substantialvariations may be made in accordance with specific requirements. Forexample, customized hardware might also be used, and/or particularelements might be implemented in hardware, software (including portablesoftware, such as applets, etc.), or both. Further, connection to othercomputing devices such as network input/output devices may be employed.

While the principles of the disclosure have been described above inconnection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearlyunderstood that this description is made only by way of example and notas limitation on the scope of the disclosure.

1. A removable disk drive library system for storing data on one or moreremovable disk drives, the removable disk drive system comprising: anarray of two or more removable disk drive bays, the two or moreremovable disk drive bays arranged in columns and rows and coupledtogether to form the array, wherein each removable disk drive bayaccepts a removable disk drive into a cavity that opens to a front ofthe removable disk drive bay, each removable disk drive bay having anopening at a back of the removable disk drive bay to allow access to aconnector at a rear of the removable disk drive; and a movable connectorsystem positioned behind the array, the movable connector systemcomprising one or more movable connectors that automatically connect tothe connector at the rear of the removable disk drive, wherein eachmovable connector operable to connect to the connector of two or moreremovable disk drives in different removable disk drive bays.
 2. Theremovable disk drive library system as defined in claim 1, wherein themovable connector system further comprising: a first member, the firstmember oriented in a vertical position parallel with the array, thefirst member having a first end and a second end, the first endsupported at a base; the second member, the second member oriented in avertical position parallel with the array and parallel with the firstmember, the second member having a first end and a second end, the firstend supported at a base; a brace connected at the second end of thefirst member and the second end of the second member, the brace spanninga distance between the first member and the second member and holdingthe first member and the second member in the vertical position andsubstantially parallel; and a movable armature movably connected to thesecond member and the first member, the movable armature operable tomove vertically along the second member and the first member.
 3. Theremovable disk drive library system as defined in claim 2, wherein themovable connector moves horizontally along the movable armature.
 4. Theremovable disk drive library system as defined in claim 1, furthercomprising a cable connected to the movable connector and to a systemcontroller, the cable electrically connecting the removable disk driveconnected to the movable connector with the system controller.
 5. Theremovable disk drive library system as defined in claim 1, wherein eachremovable disk drive bay comprises a retention system for the removabledisk drive, the retention system physically securing the removable diskdrive into the removable disk drive bay.
 6. The removable disk drivelibrary system as defined in claim 5, wherein each movable connectorcomprises an eject system, the eject system coupled to the retentionsystem and connecting the removable disk drive, wherein the eject systemdisengages the retention system in the removable disk drive bay, andwherein the eject system pushes the removable disk drive through thecavity a distance to allow extraction of the removable disk drive.
 7. Amovable connector system for coupling a connector to a removable diskdrive inserted in an array of removable disk drive bays, the movableconnector system comprising: a first member, the first member orientedin a vertical position parallel with the array, the first member havinga first end and a second end, the first end supported at a base; thesecond member, the second member oriented in a vertical positionparallel with the array and parallel with the first member, the secondmember having a first end and a second end, the first end supported at abase; a movable armature movably connected to the second member and thefirst member, the movable armature operable to move vertically along thesecond member and the first member; and a movable connector assemblymovably connected to the movable armature, the movable connectorassembly operable to move horizontally along the movable armature, themovable connector assembly including the connector.
 8. The movableconnector system as defined in claim 7, further comprising a cabinetconnected to the first member and the second member, the cabinetproviding support for the first member and the second member and holdingthe first member and the second member in the vertical position andsubstantially parallel.
 9. The movable connector system as defined inclaim 7, further comprising a cable connected to the connector of themovable connector assembly and to a system controller, the cableelectrically connecting the removable disk drive connected to theconnector with the system controller.
 10. The movable connector systemas defined in claim 7, wherein each movable connector assembly comprisesan eject system, the eject system coupled to a retention system andconnected to the removable disk drive, wherein the eject systemdisengages the retention system in the removable disk drive bay, andwherein the eject system pushes the removable disk drive through acavity in a removable disk drive bay a distance to allow extraction ofthe removable disk drive.
 11. The removable disk drive library system asdefined in claim 10, wherein the retention system comprises: a leverrotatably connected at a pivot to the bottom of the removable disk drivebay; and a spring attached at a first end to a second end of the leverand at a second end to the rear of the array, the spring exerting aforce that pushed the first end of the lever vertically.
 12. Theremovable disk drive library system as defined in claim 11, wherein thelever further comprises a detent, the detent formed in the first end ofthe lever, the detent engaging an indention in the removable diskcartridge to secure the removable disk cartridge in the removable diskdrive bay.
 13. The removable disk drive library system as defined inclaim 10, wherein the ejection system comprises: a release flangerotatably connected to a first end of an axle; a cam rotatably connectedto a second end of the axle, wherein the axle is set into a platformholding the movable connector; wherein the release flange and cam arerotated into an eject position, wherein the release flange contacts atthe second end of the lever and, when moved in a Z-axis direction,extends the spring and causes the first end of the lever to movedownward; and wherein the cam contacts a rear of the removable diskcartridge, and, when moved in the Z-axis direction, pushes the removabledisk cartridge from the removable disk drive bay.
 14. A removable diskdrive library system for storing data on one or more removable diskdrives, the removable disk drive system comprising: an array of two ormore removable disk drive bays, the two or more removable disk drivebays arranged in columns and rows and coupled together to form thearray, wherein each removable disk drive bay accepts a removable diskdrive into a cavity that opens to a front of the removable disk drivebay, each removable disk drive bay having an opening at a back of theremovable disk drive bay to allow access to a connector at a rear of theremovable disk drive; a retention system disposed in each removable diskdrive bay, the retention system securing the removable disk drive intothe removable disk drive bay; a movable connector system positionedbehind the array, the movable connector system comprising one or moremovable connectors that automatically connect to the connector at therear of the removable disk drive, wherein each movable connectoroperable to connect to the connector of two or more removable diskdrives in different removable disk drive bays; and an ejection systemconnected to the movable connector system, the ejection systemdisengaging the retention system to allow the extraction of theremovable disk cartridge from the removable disk drive bay.
 15. Theremovable disk drive library system as defined in claim 14, wherein theretention system comprises: a lever rotatably connected at a pivot tothe bottom of the removable disk drive bay; and a spring attached at afirst end to a second end of the lever and at a second end to the rearof the array, the spring exerting a force that pushed the first end ofthe lever vertically.
 16. The removable disk drive library system asdefined in claim 15, wherein the lever further comprises a detent, thedetent formed in the first end of the lever, the detent engaging anindention in the removable disk cartridge to secure the removable diskcartridge in the removable disk drive bay.
 17. The removable disk drivelibrary system as defined in claim 14, wherein the ejection systemcomprises: a release flange rotatably connected to a first end of anaxle; and a cam rotatably connected to a second end of the axle, whereinthe axle is set into a platform holding the movable connector.
 18. Theremovable disk drive library system as defined in claim 17, wherein therelease flange and cam are rotated into an eject position, wherein therelease flange contacts at the second end of the lever and, when movedin a Z-axis direction, extends the spring and causes the first end ofthe lever to move downward.
 19. The removable disk drive library systemas defined in claim 18, wherein the cam contacts a rear of the removabledisk cartridge, and, when moved in the Z-axis direction, pushes theremovable disk cartridge from the removable disk drive bay.
 20. Theremovable disk drive library system as defined in claim 14, wherein theretention system secures the removable disk cartridge in the removabledisk drive bay when the movable connector is mated to the connector ofthe removable disk drive.